The government of India has sought details from the Food safety regulatory authorities of Hong Kong and Singapore in the wake of a ban imposed on certain MDH and Everest spices consumption and trade.
The commerce ministry has instructed Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong to prepare a detailed report, including technical and analytical details and details of the exporters whose consignments were banned.
The ministry has also solicited details on the ongoing controversy from the Singapore Food Agency Centre for Food Safety and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Hong Kong.
Contemporaneously, the government has asked for a detailed reply from the companies under the fire — MDH and Everest– for their adulterated spices mix. They would required to submit answers regarding whether they adhered to the compliances required by the Indian regulations. Were the food standards of imported countries respected, and what parameters did testing include?
The Spices Board of India is reportedly investigating the cause of the ban. However, the underlying cause of the rejection and course correction will be dealt with alongside the exporters concerned, said a commerce ministry official.
MDH and Everest, two of the indigenous famous spice companies, have faced actions by the governments of Singapore and Hong Kong for allegedly containing pesticide — ethylene oxide beyond permissible limits in their products.
An industry consultation is slated for a discussion on compulsory testing of ‘ethylene oxide’ in spice shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong.
Where the food safety regulator of Hong Kong has prohibited the sale and purchase of the implicated products of MDH and Everest, the Singapore Food Agency has ordered a recall of the products, disappearing the products from the shelves.
In the 2022-23 fiscal, the country sent outside the spices worth nearly Rs 32,000 crore, where Chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom were the major export items.
The actions taken by the Indian government to solicit details from Singapore and Hong Kong authorities demonstrate a proactive approach in addressing the ban on MDH and Everest spices. It’s crucial to investigate the alleged adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The industry consultation on compulsory testing of ethylene oxide in spice shipments highlights the importance of maintaining high standards in food exports. The recall of implicated products by Singapore and the ban by Hong Kong underscore the severity of the issue and the need for swift action. Overall, it’s a significant development in safeguarding food safety and maintaining the reputation of Indian spice exports.